State Police Warn N.J. Residents Against Idling Cars

As the temperature drops it may be tempting to leave the car running on a cold winter day to warm it up.

But the New Jersey State Police and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety are warning drivers that leaving unattended cars idling can be a good way to fall victim to auto theft.

Known among thieves as “puffers” -- these idling cars are easily spotted by their puffing exhaust fumes.

“All a thief has to do is hop in and drive away. It’s even warmed up for them,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Today’s late model vehicles are protected by sophisticated anti-theft technology. But all the technology in the world is worthless when someone leaves their car unlocked and running with the keys in the ignition.”

To avoid car theft, police advise motorists to keep their cars locked while warming them up, even in their own driveways.